Capabilities in the CGL 5.0 update focus on data portability and redundancy requirements as well as carrier and data center security gaps

The Linux Foundation on Wednesday will release version 5.0 of its Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) specification, which covers capabilities such as more reliable file systems and security. CGL 5.0 is intended to address a mature marketplace in which the demands on data transferred among networks has increased.

Telecom networks must handle content types including streaming video, audio, and packet traffic, for example, with no service interruptions, the foundation said. "CGL today is a recognized industry standard on which the world's leading telecom companies rely to build their networks. The CGL workgroup members have significantly contributed to the adoption of Linux in the telecom market," said foundation Executive Director Jim Zemlin in a statement released by the foundation.

With version 5.0, the Linux Foundation is intending to address requirements including an increased focus on highly reliable file systems, including data portability and redundancy requirements; carrier and data center security gaps, including role-based access control; expanded diagnostics and debugging, and online system tuning.

The foundation said a number of requirements have been dropped from the specification due to the mass adoption and ubiquity of CGL and its inclusion in the mainline Linux kernel. However, the foundation on Wednesday morning could not immediately list the dropped requirements.

Also on Wednesday, the foundation will announce its Yocto Project Release 1.0, which provides common embedded Linux tools including a developer interface and build system improvements for developers. The foundation will also unveil the Yocto Project Steering Group, which includes representatives from companies such as Dell, Intel, Mentor Graphics, and Wind River.

Based on Linux kernel 2.6.37, Yocto Project Release 1.0 offers a new process for gathering, compiling, and building from upstream source code, aimed at achieving higher build reliability and a better user interface experience. Faster builds and better performance are featured, as well as a new application toolkit installer and application development guide. Updates to the project's X Windows system boost security for target devices.

"The Yocto Project tools will help ease and speed embedded Linux development," Zemlin said. Yocto Project Release 1.0 is available for review.